Such a cute story! The entire premise seemed interesting and I was not disappointed. The spice was done well and I truly loved the chemistry between the leads. Lauren has outdone herself once again!

Thanks to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I was not familiar with the characters that were referenced throughout the story, so I now have more to add to my TBR list, but even not knowing the full backstory of Joy's twin, I was easily able to follow the storyline and understand Joy's motivation/ background. I love that Joy is a successful female in a male dominated industry, and how her family and friends support her both professional and personally. The storyline was hilarious and I found myself laughing more than once. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and can't wait to grab both Hope and Shep's books.

Very entertaining and the proposal was not what I originally thought it would be! This is sexy and steamy! Even with so many hockey romances out now, don’t miss this story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars

It's a quick, fun read with some laugh-out-loud moments! I liked this book; the pacing was great, the characters were entertaining, and their chemistry was hot. Sometimes, the main characters, Joy and Dalton, came off as a bit immature, which took me a little bit away from the story; otherwise, it was a good book!

COOL NOW I HAVE TO READ LAURENS ENTIRE BACKLOG.

This made me giddy as can be, like kicking my feet and giggling while reading! I love love love Joy in this and Dalton is a gem of a book boyfriend.

"Never in a million years would anyone come up with something as wild as a good luck penis peekaboo meet-cute."

THEMES
Ice hockey player x sports reporter
Best friends little sister
Bad ass FMC with a sharp tongue
Immaculate spice levels
Minor angst that is quickly rectified
Secret relationship

This book had me in a chokehold from the beginning, solely due to the hilarious, blunt and full-of-sass FMC Joy. It was actually refreshing to read about a FMC that isn't afraid to swear or tell it like it is - she's not demure girly, she's more like dynamite. A true force to be reckoned with. Dalton began as a loveable asshole, and then really just transitioned into lovable. the whole concept of their love story is truly ridiculous but in the best way. Can't wait to see what other books in this series will bring.

Thank you to Lauren Landish, NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an e-ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review

Disclaimer: I DNFed after reading 20% of the book.

Summary
The Pucking Proposal follows Joy Barlowe (sports journalist) and Dalton Days (hockey goalie). After a locker room mishap, Dalton proposes a risqué pre-game ritual that seems to secure a total shutout each and every time... What could go wrong?

Why did I DNF?
As much as I thought the premise for The Pucking Proposal was interesting and unique, I struggled with the writing style. I think it was nothing more than a personality clash. I wasn't a fan of some of the words/turns of phrase used. (E.g. lookie-loo & cuckoo for cocoa puffs).

This was so cute and I am a sucker for a good hockey romance! I feel like everyone who likes hockey should read this!

I enjoyed this novel! I felt that the relationship between Joy and Dalton was well mapped out, clear, and energy driven. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two characters find their own apart and together and Landish’s humor didn’t hurt either. The amount of times I laughed out loud at the antics were great. The only thing that confused me greatly was the cover! The wedding ring just didn’t make sense to me.

Joy falls for hockey player Dalton. Unfortunately, she is also his buddy's younger sister and totally off-limits for him... Their fling starts out as fun and light-hearted but develops into something more.

Love the fun and joy in this book. Lovable characters... Great banter and so many LOL scenes. A great sports rom-com.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Thank you NetGalley & Montlake for allowing me access to this ebook which will be released February 18, next year. The Pucking Proposal by Lauren Landish is part of the Maple Creek series. It follows Joy Barlowe, a sports reporter who finds herself in an unexpected "pregame ritual" with Dalton Days, the star goalie who's not only superstitious but also her brother's best friend. Their late-night FaceTime flings start off as fun and flirty, but as their connection deepens, so do their feelings.
Read this if you like hockey romance, banter, forbidden love, brother best friend tropes!